Orphan Rights

SocietyThe history of Islamclearly identifies theamount of care tobe given to orphansand to sponsoringthem“We have honored the sonsof Adam…” [Isra: 70]. Man, inall stages of life, is respectedand honored, for his valueof being human. The morelevels he earns of praisesand high character and hedoes works of kindness andgoodness, the more he gainshonor and respect. Islamhas given orphan carefulattention, urged other tocare and protect his wealth,and warned against violationof his rights.Many verses in theQuraan, as well as theencouragement of theMessenger of Allah, peacebe upon him, are strongevidences of such attentiongiven to be the guidelines inall practices that dealt withsuch a matter. The historyof Islam clearly identifiesthe amount of care to begiven to orphans and tosponsoring them.Islam has taken great carein the interest of orphan,in terms of nurturing, care,and treatment to ensure adecent living for him and tobe a useful member in theMuslim community. Allahsays: “Therefore, treat notthe orphan with harshness.”[Duha: 9] and He also says:“Have you seen the one whodenies the Recompense?* For that is the one whodrives away the orphan.”[Al-Maa’un: 1-2] These versesaffirm that the care andcompassion must be givento orphans, so as not to feelinferior to other members ofthe community, and not tobecome a useless memberof the Muslim community.Allah also commandedto preserve the wealth oforphans, and not to exposeit to waste. He says: “Indeed,those who devour theproperty of orphans unjustlyare only consuming into theirbellies fire and they will beburned in a Blaze. [An-Nisaa:10], as He says: “And do notapproach the property of anorphan, except in the waythat is best, until he reachesmaturity. And fulfill [every]commitment. Indeed, thecommitment is ever [thatabout which one will be]questioned.” [Al-Israa: 34]The Messenger, peace beupon him, considered eatingup an orphan’s wealthto be among the seven6An Islamic Periodical Magazine - Issue No 18 June 2010